Mother Of 2 Arrested On Suspicion Of Child Endangerment In Irwindale

IRWINDALE (CBSLA.com) — A 27-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of neglecting her two young children.

Around 2:34 a.m., patrol officers were in the area of Alice Rodriguez Circle when they noticed a suspicious vehicle parked inside of the "Little Park of Irwindale," which was closed, according to the Irwindale Police Department.

Police clarified no vehicles or persons are permitted to be on the park premises during overnight hours.

When officers contacted the driver of the vehicle -- who was later identified as Melba Lois Appleton, of Barstow -- they located her 6-year-old and 4-year-old girls sitting in the back seat.

A preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle was reported stolen in Barstow during February, and Appleton was named a suspect in the case.

Authorities determined the family was homeless and that the children were being neglected by their mother.

Police reported drug paraphernalia, including a methamphetamine pipe, was also found inside the vehicle near the children.

Appleton was subsequently arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and drug paraphernalia. She was booked into the Glendora Police Department Jail.

The children were provided with warm meals by officers, and were taken to the Irwindale Police Station.

The Los Angeles County Department of Family & Children Services responded to the station and took the children into their custody.

Police recovered the stolen vehicle from the scene.

Appleton is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. Friday in West Covina.